For Immediate Release
Edutopia Names 10 Schools of Education That Will Change The Way We Teach
Pioneering Education Programs
Pave the Way to Better Teacher Preparation
San Rafael, CA (November 28, 2007) -- Calling attention to the crisis that confronts teacher preparation in the United States, Edutopia has identified 10 schools of education that are blazing the trail to better practices. These innovative programs -- which include public and private programs of various forms and sizes -- are emerging to lead the way to teacher preparation that more closely mirrors the demands of teaching in real classrooms. Each of the institutions and their education programs are featured in the November/December issue of Edutopia and on Edutopia.org.
"Though there are some leading lights, far too many of America's 1,200-plus schools of education are mired in methods that isolate education from the arts and sciences, segregate the theory and practice of teaching, and provide insufficient time and support for future teachers to learn to work in real classrooms," said James Daly, editor in chief of Edutopia. "These 10 schools represent a cross-section of the most promising innovations in teacher preparation today."
Accompanying the feature, "Building a Better Teacher: Confronting the Crisis in Teacher Training," is an Edutopia video, titled Empowering New Teachers: Bank Street College of Education, in which aspiring educators are taught new skills with a focus on experiential learning, classroom immersion, and mentoring.
Edutopia’s 10 Leading Schools of Education
Alverno College (Milwaukee, WI) features a unique curriculum based on multiple abilities such as effective communication and having a global perspective. More than one-third of the program's students are minorities, and part of the school's mission is to make higher education accessible to women who need extra support.
Academy for Urban School Leadership (Chicago, IL) prepares new teachers expressly for the rigors and rewards found in Chicago's toughest schools. The program features a yearlong residency in dedicated training academies and two years of postgraduate field coaching.
Bank Street College of Education (New York, NY) owns and runs the K-8 School for Children and is renowned for its pioneering efforts in the Head Start program, children’s literature, and educational technology, as well as its hands-on two-year graduate program, focused on K-8 instruction.
Boston Teacher Residency (Boston, MA) follows a locally tailored curriculum and requires a yearlong residency with a mentor teacher. Residents receive a stipend and loan forgiveness and are expected to commit to the Boston school district for at least three years.
Curry School of Education (Charlottesville, VA) features a five-year dual-degree program combining extensive subject-area knowledge, fieldwork, and pedagogy. Students have one adviser in the University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences and another in the School of Education. The program also features strong technology integration.
Emporia State University (Emporia, KS) has pioneered the use of a universal student-assessment system and requires that students spend a full year in professional development. A capstone of the program is the Teacher Work Sample, a portfolio of assessments illustrating how well a student teacher delivers an entire unit of instruction.
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) uses its five-year bachelor's program to ensure that students who want to teach are not short-changed on a liberal education or hands-on teaching practice. During their fifth year, candidates serve as interns in a school and receive guidance from field instructors and K-12 teachers.
Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ) applies an interdisciplinary approach to innovations based on the needs of public schools. At the college's Center of Pedagogy, an interdisciplinary body establishes policies and practices. Students are guided through their education by a twelve-point declaration of what an educator should know and do.
Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA) closely integrates theory and practice. Candidates begin fieldwork on the first day and continue daily throughout the year. The school is committed to serving traditionally underserved urban-school populations and emphasizes personalized learning and education-reform initiatives.
University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) aims to increase the number of high-quality math, science, and computer science teachers in K-12 schools. Courses and field experiences closely align with a set of guidelines called the Holistic Program Evaluation Model, which contains specific benchmarks for technology integration and learner-centered instruction.
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